December 5, 1959 - July 27, 2023
In loving memory ~
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our son, brother, uncle and friend, Victor Allen Dowedoff, age 63. Over the past few years Vic has suffered multiple strokes and heart attacks and his quality of life was declining rapidly. Vic chose the path of MAID and passed away peacefully at 2:30pm on July 27, 2023 under doctor's care at hospice in West Kelowna, BC.
Vic was born December 5, 1959 in Grand Forks, BC to John and Tina Dowedoff. Vic was his own man and lived life accordingly. From an early age he was independent, caring, fun loving, generous of his time, talents and gifts. He would stop his world to help a friend, family member or even a stranger in need. His niece and nephews brought him such joy and he was one of the most unorthodox uncles you'd ever meet. He would play games, build racetracks, and spend hours outside in the snow building one of the best luges ever. He would spend excessive amounts of money on gifts for them as well. Vic battled with substance abuse which shaped a lot of bumps and turns in his life. Despite that continuous challenge, Vic did life as only Vic would do. Vic had many crazy life stories and during one of our last visits with him, he said to us, "I've done more in my short life than most do in an entire lifetime."
His work career was varied and took him to many parts of the world. One of his jobs was as a cook at Mr. Mike's in GF where he cooked our steaks. Vic was very accomplished in the kitchen and enjoyed eating his creations. He also helped build the family shop, Kastco Industries, and worked for many years there. He installed septic systems, wells, sprinkler systems, fencing and pools, throughout our community. Vic also enjoyed being part of the search and rescue organization and spent time hanging out of planes looking for the lost.
Another huge accomplishment of Vic's was his journey of sobriety which started on April 8th, 1995 and lasted for 21 years. Not only was Vic clean and sober for that period, but he never missed a single meeting, and he sponsored many other people on their journeys.
After several years away from Grand Forks, Vic returned to take over Kastco, Dec 1, 1995, during his dad's battle with cancer. After Kastco closed, Vic moved to Alberta and started his own business, a water well company.
As an adult, Vic had a passion for learning. Vic taught himself Spanish, from tapes, to keep himself challenged. He also got his airplane pilot's license, took the course to become an ESL teacher and was proud of getting his diploma for it. He taught ESL (English as a second language) for 6 years in Edmonton. His teaching style was out of the ordinary, and his students loved him.
With his knowledge of waterworks and his independent, "I can do this attitude," Vic decided to leave Grand Forks to go to Peru to work on water systems, which was his passion. He went on many adventures including boating up the Nile River and travelled back and forth to Peru for a few years. He fell in love with Carmelina, got married Dec 2, 2000, bought a piece of land in the jungle, where the monkeys roamed, and started to build a home there. While working in Alberta and traveling back and forth to Peru, Vic brought Carmelina back to BC so she could experience her first Canadian winter. Over time the distance proved to be too much for their marriage, so they separated, and Vic remained in Edmonton.
During a chance meeting in a coffee shop, he met the love of his life, Kathy, in 2003. The two of them traveled to Peru and Mexico and enjoyed their 2 cats and home in Edmonton. Unfortunately, Kathy was diagnosed with cancer and Vic supported her every step of the way, through her 12-year battle. Kathy lost her battle on March 1, 2015, which broke Vic's heart and led him down a tougher path. After Kathy's passing, Edmonton held little, and Vic eventually moved back to BC.
Vic is survived by his mother Tina Dowedoff, brother Darrell (Claudia) Dowedoff, sister Nicole (Dave) Reid, Nephew Stephen (Coralie) Dowedoff and their children Natasha and Jack, Niece Meagan Dowedoff, Nephew Dawson Reid and many cousins, uncles, aunties, and friends.
Vic was predeceased by his father John, grandparents John & Polly Dowedoff and John & Tina Podovinikoff, along with some cousins, uncles and aunties.
In lieu of flowers, please take someone you care about out for a coffee or lunch. We are honoring Vic's wishes, therefore there will be no service.